Snow plow and attachment system for zero turning radius mower

ABSTRACT

The specification discloses an attachment system for a zero turning radius mower. According to one aspect of the invention, the attachment system includes a zero turning radius mower having a chassis, a plurality of selectively engagable rear drive wheels, and a plurality of forwardly projecting arm members connected to said chassis for mounting a plurality of fully rotatable front wheels. A substantially horizontal attachment base member is affixed to the forwardly projecting arm members. The system also includes at least one attachment extension arm connected to the horizontal attachment base member and projecting forwardly therefrom and preferably a snow plow blade affixed to the extension arms. A front end loader and a rotary broom are also disclosed for use with the attachment system.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a system of implements and tools which may be attached to a lawn mower and, in particular, to a system of implements and tools which may be attached to a zero turning radius mower having steerable rear drive wheels.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Riding lawn mowers for commercial and residential use have been available for many years. Traditionally such mowers have taken the general form of a scaled down tractor. In this form of mower a front mounted engine drives the rear wheels while steering is achieved through an automotive-type steering mechanism wherein the mower operator utilizes a steering wheel to turn the front wheels in the desired direction. Various forms of tools and implements have also been provided which may be attachment to such mower, especially for attachment to the rear of such mowers.

A newer form of mower is the so-called zero turning radius (or “ZTR”) mower. In a rear drive version of the ZTR mower, both propulsion and steering are achieved through selective engagement of the two rear drive wheels. The front wheels, in turn, are provided by a pair of relatively light castor wheels which may be rotated 360° in a horizontal plane. ZTR mowers provide improved maneuverability as compared to earlier tractor-type mowers. However, tool attachments originally intended for earlier types of mower systems are generally incompatible with rear drive ZTR mowers. Front-mounted attachments, in particular, have heretofore been unavailable for rear drive ZTR mowers.

What is needed, therefore, is a system of front mounted attachments which may be utilized with a rear drive ZTR mower.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

With regard to the foregoing, the present invention provides an attachment system for a zero turning radius mower having steerable rear drive wheels. According to one aspect of the invention, the attachment system includes a zero turning radius mower having a chassis, a plurality of selectively engagable rear drive wheels, and a plurality of forwardly projecting arm members connected to said chassis for mounting a plurality of fully rotatable front wheels. A substantially horizontal attachment base member is affixed to the forwardly projecting arm members. The system also includes at least one attachment extension arm (preferably a plurality of extensions arms) connected to the horizontal attachment base member and projecting downwardly therefrom.

Preferably the attachment system also includes a snow plow blade affixed to the extension arm or arms. In certain embodiments, the attachment system may also include a lifting mechanism for supporting and lifting the snow plow blade. Most preferably, the lifting mechanism comprises an electric winch.

In certain embodiments, the horizontal attachment base member may be directly bolted to the forwardly projecting arm members. However, in certain other embodiments of the invention, the horizontal attachment base member may be clamped to the forwardly projecting arm members.

The snow plow blade preferably includes a front face which is concave. Generally, the weight of the snow plow blade may be substantially entirely supported by the mower. Prefrably, the weight of the blade is entirely supported by the mower. In certain embodiments, the snow plow blade may also be affixed to the extension arm or arms by a horizontally pivotable connection so that the snow plow blade may be pivoted horizontally.

In another embodiment of the invention, the attachment system may include a rotary broom or a front end loader attachment for use with the zero turning radius mower rather than a snow plow blade.

In another aspect, the invention provides an attachment system for a zero turning radius mower having a chassis, a plurality of selectively engagable rear drive wheels, and a plurality of forwardly projecting arm members connected to said chassis for mounting a plurality of fully rotatable front wheels and a substantially horizontal attachment base member directly affixed to the frame. At least one attachment extension arm (preferably a plurality of extensions arms) is connected to the horizontal attachment base member and projects downwardly therefrom for mounting attachments such as a snow plow blade, a rotary broom, or a front end loader.

In still another aspect, the invention provides a snow plow system for a zero turning radius mower wherein the mower includes a chassis, a plurality of selectively engagable rear drive wheels, and a plurality of forwardly projecting arm members connected to said chassis for mounting a plurality of fully rotatable front wheels. The snow plow system includes a substantially horizontal attachment base member affixed to the forwardly projecting arm members, at least one attachment extension arm (preferably a plurality of extensions arms) connected to the horizontal attachment base member and projecting downwardly therefrom, and a snow plow blade affixed to the extension arm or arms.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other aspects and advantages of the invention will now be further described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a ZTR mower and attachment system according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged side elevational view of a portion of a ZTR mower and attachment system according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of a portion of ZTR mower and attachment system according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of a portion of ZTR mower and attachment system according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of a ZTR mower and attachment system according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of a portion of a ZTR mower and attachment system according to another embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of a ZTR mower and attachment system according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention related to an attachment system for attaching tools or implements to a rear drive ZTR mower

Referring now to the drawings, various aspects of one embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to FIG. 1 wherein there is shown a rear drive zero turning radius(“ZTR”) mower 10. The ZTR mower 10 includes a frame or chassis 12 for structural integrity and to which various other components of the mower 10 are mounted. The ZTR mower 10 also includes a powertrain (not shown), such as an internal combustion engine, for propulsion and powered operation of the cutting blade. The cutting blade (not shown) is suspended beneath the mower chassis 12 in a mowing deck 14 which shrouds the rotating blade in order to insure the safety of the mower operator.

The powertrain is generally mounted to the chassis 12 in the rearward portion 16 of the mower 10 and provides propulsion via a plurality of rear drive wheels 18. Each of the rear drive wheels 18 may be selectively engaged or disengaged by the mower operator independently of the opposite rear drive wheel. In this manner, both drive wheels 18 may be engaged to propel the mower 10 forward in a straight line. On the other hand, the ZTR mower 10 may be rapidly turned to one side or the other by engaging one rear drive wheel 18 while leaving the opposite drive wheel disengaged.

The ZTR mower 10 also includes a plurality of non-driven front wheels 20. Generally, the ZTR mower 10 will include a plurality of forwardly projecting arm members 22 which extend forward from the mower chassis 12 and provide mounting points for the front wheels 20 of the mower 10. The arm members 22 are generally formed from relatively light tubular or bar-shaped steel. The front mower wheels 20 are attached to the arm members 22 via castor assemblies 24. In this manner, the front wheels 20 are fully rotatable, i.e. they may be swivelled through a complete 360° rotation in a substantially horizontal plane.

The ZTR mower 10 is controlled by an operator who may ride on the mower in a seated position or in a standing position, or who may walk behind the mower.

Examples of rear drive ZTR mowers may be found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,878,339, 6,085,504, 6,560,952, and 6,779,615, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

Referring now to FIG. 2, the present invention provides an attachment system for attaching tools or implements to a rear drive ZTR mower 10 which includes an attachment base member 30 affixed to the mower 10, at least one and preferable a plurality of attachment extension arms 32 connected to the horizontal attachment base member 30 and projecting downwardly therefrom, and a tool or implement affixed to the attachment extension arms 32.

With further reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, the attachment base member 30 is preferably a substantially horizontal member extending along a major portion of the width of the front of the ZTR mower 10. The attachment base member 30 is generally formed from one or more steel bars. However, the attachment base member 30 may also be formed from tubular steel, steel plate, or other non-steel structural materials of sufficient strength and durability. Preferably, the attachment base member 30 is formed from one or more 2.5 inch by 2.5 inch steel bars which are joined together such as by welding.

The attachment base member 30 serves to connect the attachment system to the chassis 12 of the mower 10 and transfer the weight of the attachment system to the chassis 12. For this purpose, it is generally preferred that the attachment base member 30 is affixed to chassis 12 via the forwardly projecting arm members 22 for the mower front wheels 20. However, in certain other embodiments of the invention, the attachment base member 30 may directly attached to the mower chassis 12 instead.

When attached to the chassis 12 via the front wheel arm members 22, the base member 30 may be either directly bolted to the arm members 22 or clamped to the arm members 22 using U-bolts or a combination of end plates 34 and bolts 36 which hold the base member 30 to the arm members 22. Clamping the base member 30 to the arm members 22 facilitates easy installation and removal of the attachment system to and from the mower 10 and avoiding the need to drill holes in the arm members 22 or mower chassis 12 which might lessen their structural strength.

Alternatively, the base member 30 may be directly attached to the chassis 12 of the mower 10 such as by forming holes in the chassis 12 and bolting the attachment base member 30 to the chassis 12 as shown in FIG. 4 or by means of clamps.

The attachment system further includes at least one and preferably a plurality of attachment extension arms 32 which are connected to the attachment base member 30 and project downwardly therefrom. The extension arms 32 are generally formed from one or more steel bars. However, the extension arms may also be formed from tubular steel, steel plate, or other non-steel structural materials of sufficient strength and durability. Preferably, the extension arms 32 are formed from a plurality of 2 inch by 2 inch steel bars which are joined together such as by welding. Preferably the arms 32 extend downward from the mower as well as forward from the mower.

In certain embodiments of the invention, the extension arms 32 may be substantially straight so as to provide a mounting location for a tool or implement directly in front of and beneath the chassis 12 of the mower 10 and the attachment base member 30. However, it is generally preferred that the extension arms 32 have an L- or Z-shape so that the tool or implement may be mounted to the mower in close proximity to the ground and in front of the mower. The extension arms 32 may also include a plurality of holes 38 formed therein by which the tool or implement may be quickly attached or removed from the mower 10 using bolts or pins 40.

A selected tool or implement is attached to the ZTR mower 10 by means of the extension arms 32. In a preferred embodiment, a snow plow 50 is attached to the mower 10. The snow plow 50 includes a blade 52 is preferably formed from steel or another material of suitable strength and durability. The blade 52 has a forwardly oriented face 54 which is preferably concave in shape. The blade 52 is generally from about 48 to about 60 inches in width and from about 12 to about 18 inches in height. The snow plow 50 also preferably includes a rearwardly oriented blade support portion 56 for supporting the blade 52 and attaching the snow plow 50 to the extension arms 32. For instance, the support portion 56 may include a plurality of support ribs 58 for added strength. The support portion 56 may also include one or more support arms which extend rearwardly and allow the snow plow to be attached to the extension arms 32 using pins.

In certain embodiments of the invention, the snow plow support portion 56 may also include a pivoting connection 60. In this manner, the blade 52 may be pivotally affixed to the extension arms 32 so that the snow plow blade 52 may be pivoted laterally to the left or right when used for moving snow.

Preferably the attachment system also includes a lifting mechanism 62 for lifting and supporting the snow plow blade 52. Most preferably the lifting mechanism 62 is provided by an electrically powered winch 64 which is affixed to the attachment base member 30 or to the extension arms 32. An electrical winch 64 having a lifting capacity in the range of from about 500 to about 1500 lbs is generally suitable for this purpose. Electrical power for the winch 64 may be supplied by a battery mounted on the ZTR mower 10. A winch cable 66 is connected to the snow plow 50 so that by operation of the winch the snow plow blade 52 may be supported in use or lifted up away from the ground when not in use. Alternately, the lifting mechanism may include an electric actuator for lifting the snow plow 50 rather than an electric winch. For simplicity, the snow plow 50 could also be lifted manually by the mower operator and then retained in a raised position using a latch mechanism. Manual lifting of the snow plow 50 may be particularly desirable when the snow plow is utilized with a walk-behind ZTR mower. Such mowers are generally smaller and lighter than riding ZTR mowers and consequently often lack the electrical capacity to power a winch or other electrical lifting mechanisms.

Advantageously, the compact but strong design of the attachment system allows the weight of the snow plow attachment 50 to be substantially completely transferred to and supported by the chassis 12 of the mower 10 without the blade 52 dragging on the ground, thereby damaging the blade 52, and without the need for extra supporting wheels beneath the snow plow 50. Preferably the weight of the snow plow 50 is entirely supported by the chassis 12.

In use, the attachment base member 30 and the extension arms 32 are preferably permanently affixed to the ZTR mower 10 so as to facilitate quick connection of tools, such as the snow plow 50 or a rotary broom, or a front end loader, to the mower 10. However, it will be appreciated that the attachment base member 30 and the extension arms 32 may also be completely removed from the ZTR mower 10 when the mower is being used solely for mowing. Complete removal and reconnection of the attachment system is particularly convenient if the base member is clamped to the front wheel arms 22 of the ZRT mower 10.

In winter weather, the snow plow 50 may be quickly and easily connected to the mower 10 using pins 40 and holes 38 in the extension arms 32 of the attachment system. Once the snow plow 50 is connected to the extension arms 32, the winch cable 66 is connected to the snow plow 50 and the tension thereof adjusted to support the snow plow blade 52 at desired height and vertical angle. The blade 52 may also be pivoted either to the left or the right so as to direct the snow and slush being cleared in a desired direction. The mower operator then simply proceeds to drive the mower 10 through the snow covered area to plow and clear the snow therefrom.

In another embodiment of the invention, a front end loader 70 may be employed with the attachment system. As may be seen in FIGS. 5 and 6, the loader 70 includes a bucket 72 for scooping and moving soil, mulch, debris and the like. The bucket 72 is preferably formed from plate steel or another material of similarly suitable strength and durability. The loader bucket 72 preferably has a width of from about 36 to about 48, a depth of from about 15 to about 20, and a height of from about 15 to about 20. Accordingly, the bucket 72 has a volume of from about 3 to about 7 cubic feet.

The rear portion 74 of the bucket 72 is connected to a plurality of loader arms 76 which are in turn connected to the attachment extension arms 22. The loader arms 76 are generally formed from a plurality of steel bars. However, the loader arms 76 may also be formed from tubular steel, steel plate, or other non-steel structural materials of sufficient strength and durability. Preferably, the loader arms 76 are formed from a plurality of 2 inch by 2 inch steel bars which are joined together such as by welding. Preferably the loader arms 76 are from about 25 to about 30 in length.

The loader arms 76 may be attached to the extension arms 32 by means of pins or bolts inserted through holes formed in the loader arms 76 and extension arms 32. These connections also act as hinges when the loader bucket is to be raised or lower. The necessary force to lift or lower the bucket 72 is preferably supplied by the electric winch 64 and cable 66 which may be connected to the loader arms by an eyehook. Alternatively, the lifting force may be supplied by an electric actuator or manually by the mower operator.

In certain embodiments, the bucket may also be hingedly connected to the loader arms 76, such as by pin 77, so that the bucket 72 may pivoted vertically relative to the orientation of the loader arms 76. In this embodiment, the loader 70 may also include a spring-loaded latch 80 which hooks over a further pin 78 which in turn is affixed to the rear portion 74 of the bucket 72. With the latch 80 in place over pin 78, the bucket is held in an upright position. However, the latch may be manually released, such as by pulling on a rope or cable 79 which is attached to the latch 80, so as to pivot the bucket 72 forward and downward and empty its contents. Once emptied, the loader arms 76 are lowered forcing the bucket 72 back into an upright position wherein the spring-loaded latch 80 re-engages over pin 78 to hold the bucket 72 in place.

In yet another embodiment of the invention, a rotary broom 90 may be employed with the attachment system as shown in FIG. 7. As with the snow plow and front end loader, the rotary broom 90 is mounted to the mower 10 by means of pins or bolts 92 inserted through holes formed in the rotary broom frame 94 and the extension arms 32. The rotary broom 90 includes the aforesaid frame 94 and a sweeper unit 96 mounted within the frame 94. The sweeper unit 96 includes an axle 98 which extends across the width of the frame 94 and is rotatably mounted to the frame 94. The axle includes a plurality of sweeping bristles 100. The axle 98 and bristles 100 rotate in a substantially vertical plane to sweep debris from the area adjacent to and beneath the rotary broom.

The frame 94 and axle 98 are preferably steel or another material of suitable strength and durability. The bristles 100 of the sweeper unit 96 are preferably made from polypropylene and steel and are from about 6 to about 10 in length. The frame 94 is preferably from about 48 to about 60 in width and from about 18 to about 24 in height.

The rotary broom 90 preferably also includes a housing 102 which extends over the upper portion of the sweeper unit 96 as well as a drive mechanism 104 for the sweeper unit 96. The housing 102 is also preferably made from steel. Preferably the drive mechanism 104 comprises a relatively small internal combustion engine which is mounted upon the rotary broom frame 94 and transmits power for the rotation of the sweeper unit 96 by means of one or more belts, pulleys, gears, or driveshafts. A suitable drive mechanism is a two-stroke or four-stroke internal combustion engine having a power output of from about 5 to about 10 horsepower.

The frame 94 also include one or more broom support arms 106 for attachment of the broom 90 to the extension arms 32. Preferably the broom 90 will also include a horizontally pivotable connection 108 between the frame 94 and the broom support arms 106 so that the sweeper unit 96 may be angled relative to the direction of travel of the mower 10. In this manner, debris being swept by the broom 90 may be discharged in a desired direction.

The electric winch or other lifting mechanism may be used to support the weight of the broom 90 and allow the bristles 100 of the sweeper unit 96 to be lowered onto and raised away from the ground. The broom 90 may also include one or more support castors 110 which support a substantial portion of weight of the broom when it is lowered into position for use. Further, a spring 112 may be mounted against the frame 94 so as to bias the bristles 100 of the sweeper unit 96 against the ground or other surface during operation.

Having now described various aspects of the invention and preferred embodiments thereof, it will be recognized by those of ordinary skill that numerous modifications, variations and substitutions may exist within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. 

1. An attachment system for a zero turning radius mower comprising: a zero turning radius mower having a chassis, a plurality of selectively engagable rear drive wheels, and a plurality of forwardly projecting arm members connected to said chassis for mounting a plurality of fully rotatable front wheels; a substantially horizontal attachment base member affixed to the forwardly projecting arm members; and at least one attachment extension arm connected to the horizontal attachment base member and projecting downwardly therefrom.
 2. The attachment system of claim 1, further comprising a snow plow blade affixed to the at least one extension arm.
 3. The attachment system of claim 2, further comprising a lifting mechanism for supporting and lifting the snow plow blade.
 4. The attachment system of claim 3, wherein the lifting mechanism comprises an electric winch.
 5. The attachment system of claim 2, wherein the snow plow blade is affixed to the at least one extension arm by a horizontally pivotable connection so that the snow plow blade may be pivoted horizontally.
 6. The attachment system of claim 2, wherein the horizontal attachment base member is clamped to the forwardly projecting arm members.
 7. The attachment system of claim 2, wherein the weight of the snow plow blade may be substantially entirely supported by the mower.
 8. The attachment system of claim 2, wherein the snow plow blade includes a front face which is concave.
 9. The attachment system of claim 2, wherein the mower is a riding mower.
 10. The attachment system of claim 1, further comprising a rotary broom attached to the at least one extension arm.
 11. The attachment system of claim 1, further comprising a front end loader attached to the at least one extension arm.
 12. An attachment system for a zero turning radius mower comprising: a zero turning radius mower having a chassis, a plurality of selectively engagable rear drive wheels, and a plurality of forwardly projecting arm members connected to said chassis for mounting a plurality of fully rotatable front wheels; a substantially horizontal attachment base member directly affixed to the chassis; and at least one attachment extension arm connected to the horizontal attachment base member and projecting downwardly therefrom.
 13. The attachment system of claim 12 further comprising a snow plow blade affixed to the at least one extension arm.
 14. The attachment system of claim 13, further comprising a lifting mechanism for supporting and lifting the snow plow blade.
 15. The attachment system of claim 14, wherein the lifting mechanism comprises an electric winch.
 16. The attachment system of claim 13, wherein the snow plow blade is affixed to the at least one extension arm by a horizontally pivotable connection so that the snow plow blade may be pivoted horizontally.
 17. The attachment system of claim 13, wherein the weight of the snow plow blade may be substantially entirely supported by the mower.
 18. The attachment system of claim 13, wherein the snow plow blade includes a front face which is concave.
 19. The attachment system of claim 13, wherein the mower is a riding mower.
 20. The attachment system of claim 12, further comprising a rotary broom attached to the at least one extension arm.
 21. The attachment system of claim 12, further comprising a front end loader attached to the at least one extension arm.
 22. A snow plow system for a zero turning radius mower, said mower having a chassis, a plurality of selectively engagable rear drive wheels, and a plurality of forwardly projecting arm members connected to said chassis for mounting a plurality of fully rotatable front wheels, said snow plow system comprising: a substantially horizontal attachment base member affixed to the forwardly projecting arm members; and at least one attachment extension arm connected to the horizontal attachment base member and projecting downwardly therefrom; and a snow plow blade affixed to the at least one extension arm.
 23. The attachment system of claim 22, further comprising a lifting mechanism for supporting and lifting the snow plow blade.
 24. The attachment system of claim 23, wherein the lifting mechanism comprises an electric winch.
 25. The attachment system of claim 22, wherein the snow plow blade is affixed to the at least one extension arm by a horizontally pivotable connection so that the snow plow blade may be pivoted horizontally.
 26. The attachment system of claim 22, wherein the horizontal attachment base member is directly bolted to the forwardly projecting arm members.
 27. The attachment system of claim 22, wherein the horizontal attachment base member is clamped to the forwardly projecting arm members.
 28. The attachment system of claim 22, wherein the weight of the snow plow blade may be substantially entirely supported by the mower.
 29. The attachment system of claim 22, wherein the snow plow blade includes a front face which is concave. 